IUCN Changemakers demonstrate the power of innovative entrepreneurship and youth leadership to achieve conservation goals – Story

Of the 1,500 applications submitted in response to the IUCN World Conservation Congress 2025 call for Changemakers, 14 young leaders were selected to pitch their visions for change. The Changemakers Pitch Events spanned three days of the Congress, with each young leader having the opportunity to give a short presentation followed by an interactive question and answer session led by a jury panel.  

The series of pitch events ended with reflections from past Changemakers, further bridging innovative young leaders across geographies and sectors while providing the opportunity for learning and knowledge exchange. The common thread across the pitches was clear: youths are driving action for nature around the world through solutions that are rooted in community while being scalable, adaptable, and inventive. Read more about their stories and pitches below.
 

 

Iman Ebrahimi
Founder, AvayeBoom Bird Conservation Society
Protecting birds and educating communities in central Iran

“This Congress showed me how similar our challenges are around the world and how much we need shared solutions to address the common struggles conservation faces globally. Being selected as a Changemaker made me feel proud that my approach of reconnecting people with nature through birds can be one of those meaningful, globally relevant solutions.” 

THE PITCH 
A conservationist from Iran, Ebrahimi Iman has spent over a decade working to protect birds and their habitats. He believes that birds have the power to transform how people see the world and how they choose to protect it. At the age of 21, he founded the AvayeBoom Bird Conservation Society and has since led 13 projects across Iran. Over time, he realised that what drew him into conservation is also what draws others: a deep, emotional connection with birds. This insight inspired the development of a flagship species project in the Arjan Wetland, where emotional connection became the foundation for public engagement a model he now hopes to share globally.
 

 

Elisa Harley
Founder, Enivo Pots
Eliminating plastic waste from tree planting

“My story shows the power of intergenerational changemakers. When a young person is encouraged to dream boldly, then supported by industry and community. IUCN Abu Dhabi showed they believe in this too, and they invested in young people creating more stories and more real change.”

THE PITCH
Planting trees shouldn’t create plastic waste, right? That’s why, when 19-year-old Elisa Harley fell in love with the beauty of nature, she founded the Aotearoa-New Zealand business, Enivo Pots. Enivo Pots makes biodegradable plant pots using local materials to reduce the 350,000,000 plastic pots used annually in Aotearoa-New Zealand. Elisa has raised over $120,000 in funding, won multiple National and International Awards, and has presented to over 10,000 people at conferences. Her journey proves what is possible when industry and community support the ambitious dreams of a young person.
 

Justin Langan
Executive Director, O’KANATA
Educating youth and advancing urban conservation using Indigenous knowledge

“Indigenous youth like me were never meant to inhabit spaces like this, but thanks to the Changemaker program, a much-needed perspective rooted in tradition can be brought to the frontlines of innovation and policy. Indigenous peoples are that missing link in modern conservation policy; we are the voice for nature.”

THE PITCH
Justin R. Langan is a 26-year-old internationally renowned Indigenous activist and leader from Swan River, Canada, driven by a passion for environmental sustainability, Indigenous rights, and youth empowerment. He is the Executive Director of O’KANATA, a nonprofit that empowers Indigenous youth through education, sustainability, and cultural preservation. Justin leads the Indigenous Eco-Literacy Project, which combines traditional ecological knowledge with modern conservation practices to develop sustainable, nature-positive urban areas, promoting biodiversity, climate resilience, and intergenerational learning. He empowers youth to participate in hands-on conservation activities, fostering community leadership and environmental stewardship, with a focus on amplifying the voices of marginalised individuals in conservation initiatives.

 

Silvia Montilla
CEO, Unergo
Expanding renewable energy access for low-income communities in Latin America

“Being a Changemaker at the IUCN Congress has been an incredibly inspiring experience. The opportunity to connect with so many dedicated individuals and witness the innovative projects being developed to address pressing environmental challenges has truly reinforced my commitment. The collaborative spirit and shared passion for making a difference have been particularly impactful, and I am grateful for the platform to contribute to such vital work. Representing Colombia in solar energy makes me proud to learn more about innovative solutions that benefit both communities and nature.”

THE PITCH
Silvia Montilla, 29, is a Colombian changemaker passionate about climate action, innovation, and equity. She has dedicated her career to expanding access to renewable energy and electric mobility across underserved communities in Latin America. Her work focuses on creating inclusive solutions that accelerate the energy transition while improving quality of life for low-income populations. Through innovative technologies and user-centred design, Silvia aims to democratise clean energy and promote sustainable urban mobility. Her latest initiative helps gig workers transition to electric vehicles, reducing emissions and generating environmental and social impact where it’s most needed.
 

Oliver Dauert
Biodiversity builder and Founder, Wildya
Seeding entrepreneurship for nature globally

“I loved the IUCN Congress for its diversity. The diversity of life that is helped, the diversity of solutions and obviously the diversity of the inspiring participants. It’s a stark reminder that diversity is humanity biggest strength, not weakness.”

THE PITCH
Biodiversity builder and founder of Wildya, Oliver Dauert is 34 years old, born in Berlin and now based in Biarritz, France. He’s created +20M impressions for nature, built a community of 40,000+ on LinkedIn, earned recognition as a Top Green Voice, and co-authored a book on sustainable business. Through Wildya, he helps ecopreneurs grow wild ideas into real-world nature impact. From landing first supporters to scaling visibility and conversion. All through community, bootcamps and 1:1 support. His mission is clear: help one million people become impact millionaires. Not in cash, but in bison, coral and land restored.
 

Antoinette Yetunde Vandy
Director, Agreka Build
Transforming agricultural waste into regenerative building solutions

“I’m honoured to be a part of the IUCN as a Changemaker for my first ever Congress. As the Director of Agreka Build, an innovation company working hard to create change within the construction and agricultural sectors, it has been incredibly inspiring to hear the rich experiences and research by leading experts in nature conservation and Nature-based Solutions. One idea that really struck me is that climate action is not merely a “moral crusade” as previously thought, but necessary for a secure future.”
 

THE PITCH
Antoinette Yetunde Vandy is an architectural designer, educator, and Director of Agreka Build, a UK-based materials innovation company transforming agricultural waste into regenerative building solutions. With a background in architecture and material research, she leads the development of WHEATEX®, a carbon-negative insulation material made entirely from waste crop straw. Her work bridges sustainability, rural resilience and circular design; with the mission to decarbonise both the construction and agricultural sectors through zero-waste systems. Antoinette is passionate about climate-action through creative education as she regularly runs community workshops for people of all ages to explore circularity, craft, and regenerative futures.

 

Alex Tóth
Founder, MycoNest
Utilizing biomimicry to create nature-positive infrastructure

“Wherever infrastructure meets land, there’s a chance to rewild. The Changemakers and their initiatives reminded us that there are no excuses left for infrastructure not to become Nature-Positive.”
 

THE PITCH
Alex Tóth, 30 years old and from Hungary, is passionate about restoring ecosystems through bio-based, circular, and regenerative design. With a background in EU environmental policy and circular economy, he works at the intersection of biomimicry, nature restoration, and infrastructure planning. His initiative, MycoNest, intends to turn solar parks and other utility areas into living ecosystems using fully biodegradable habitat units made from mycelium-bound agricultural waste. Paired with Pomaris, a nutrient-rich mycelium-biochar pellet, these structures boost biodiversity, restore soils, and activate ecological memory. Field pilots are underway, offering scalable tools for nature-positive infrastructure and integration with future biodiversity credit frameworks.

 

Youness Ouazri
CEO and Founder, Ecodome Maroc
Adapting traditional building techniques to modern infrastructure and energy needs

“I enjoyed the dynamic of the Congress and the diversity of backgrounds coming from all over the world with one common goal: how can we protect nature trough solutions and policies towards conservation? For me, this is through my work making the construction sector greener, safer and more protective to the environment.”
 

THE PITCH
Youness Ouazri, 33 years old, is a passionate earthen construction engineer with a background in civil engineering based in Rabat, Morocco. He graduated in 2015 from Ecole Hassania des Travaux Publics and worked for two years at a technical studies office as a structural engineer and chief of construction projects. After that, in 2017, he launched Ecodome Maroc, which is an enterprise specialised in ecological construction of houses and infrastructures for rural tourism using local raw materials, mainly earth. With his team, they managed to adapt old earthen construction techniques to modern norms and technical studies, so that they create buildings that are highly performant energetically and resilient to natural phenomena (mainly earthquakes) alongside solving the problem of lack of access to infrastructure in isolated areas.

To date, they have built more than 50 projects all over the Kingdom of Morocco and they have won several prizes nationally and internationally. They are seeking to scale activities across Africa and the Middle East.

 

Frank Mugisha
CEO & Founder, Akatale On Cloud
Using AI to transform and upcycle organic waste

“Through Akatale on Cloud, we are transforming Africa’s organic waste into sustainable solutions that restore soil health, empower farmers, and protect our environment. Being part of the IUCN Changemakers journey has strengthened our mission to scale climate innovation that uplifts communities and drives a greener, more resilient future.”

THE PITCH
Frank Mugisha is a 28-year-old Ugandan entrepreneur, lawyer, and environmental activist. Inspired by his farming background, he champions innovative climate-tech solutions to address food insecurity, soil degradation, and waste while empowering farmers and strengthening communities across Africa. He is the Founder and CEO of Akatale On Cloud, a climate-tech enterprise transforming organic waste into eco-friendly fertilizers, livestock feeds, biodiesel, and bioplastics. Through AI-driven technologies, the enterprise has impacted over 58,000 farmers and households by reducing waste, improving soil health, and creating green jobs. Globally recognized, Frank envisions building one of Africa’s most impactful enterprises, creating one million green jobs within 8 years.
 

 

Finn Ross
CEO & Founder, Ocean Balance
Accelerating ocean-based climate solutions

“It was deeply empowering to be surrounded by young people from around the globe working on cutting edge, commercially compelling and scalable solutions to protect our planet.”
 

THE PITCH
Dr. Finn Ross is a 26-year-old New Zealand entrepreneur, climate scientist, adventurer, and visiting fellow at Oxford University. At his home in Lake Hawea Station, his family farm is pioneering regenerative agriculture, climate action, and conservation. He is passionate about exploring the most remote corners of the South Pacific and deeply excited by the potential of the ocean as a climate solution. Finn recently completed his PhD on seaweed for climate change mitigation; he is the Founder of Climate Action Company and Co-Founder of Ocean Balance. He has also co-founded the not-for-profit charity Let Them Fish, founded The Seaweed Solution and Future Farmers NZ, and contributed to the genesis of Live Ocean. His work is dedicated to accelerating ocean-based climate solutions.
 

 

Norah Kimathi
CEO, Zerobionic
Creating assistive medical devices from recycled plastic to support STEM students

“Over the past few days, I’ve had the privilege of speaking on three different panels and engagements all focused on inclusion and climate action and honestly, it’s been amazing. The energy, innovation, and dedication I’ve witnessed here are deeply inspiring. For me, what drives me every day is the shared vision of achieving the UN 2030 goals, especially around tackling plastic waste, environmental conservation, and climate resilience. And I’m happy to share that, right here at the Congress, I officially launched a new venture CLITEDS which focuses on supporting marginalized communities and individuals most affected by climate change. It’s been such a powerful reminder that real change begins when technology, purpose, and compassion meet.”
 

THE PITCH

Norah Kimathi, 21, is a multi-award-winning Kenyan innovator applying engineering and technology to sustainability and inclusive education. Through Zerobionic, she transforms recycled plastics into assistive humanoid robots that make STEM education accessible to hearing-impaired students, pioneering this field in Africa. To address rural connectivity barriers, she co-developed a hybrid 4G-to-2G data pipeline that enables the robots to function off-grid. Her work is also rooted in circular economy practices, with more than 5,000 kilograms of plastic waste recycled and repurposed into impactful solutions.

 

 

Shibani Padhy
Founder, Project Dolphin
Improving plastic detection and clean-up in critical aquatic habitats

“Being part of the IUCN Congress reaffirmed my belief that youth-led innovation can drive global impact. Through Project Dolphin, I’ve witnessed how technology and community action can revive aquatic ecosystems. As a changemaker, I’m inspired to keep transforming local solutions into collective movements for a cleaner, sustainable planet.” 

THE PITCH
Shibani Padhy, from Odisha, India, is a passionate youth climate leader and educator motivated to create sustainable communities through innovation, awareness, and grassroots action. Her journey is driven by the belief that local action can inspire global change. She leads initiatives on solid waste management, climate education, and biodiversity conservation, including Project Dolphin, a tech-driven freshwater plastic detection system recognized by UNICEF. She has mobilized more than 10,000 youth, planted mangroves, organized beach cleanups, and created large-scale plastic mural arts. Through her work, she strives to empower communities and young changemakers to take climate-positive action.
 

 

Liu “Becca” Xinai
Founder, Happy Power
Harnessing human play for clean energy

“At the IUCN Congress, I realized how creativity sparks when young innovators meet — we draw strength from one another. Change doesn’t only come from technology; it also comes from imagination.  Happy Power began after a blackout caused by a typhoon, and has grown into a vision of a world where joy itself fuels resilience.”
 

THE PITCH
Becca (Liu Xinai), 29, based in China, is passionate about creating playful solutions for climate resilience. Her drive comes from empowering communities through creativity and innovation. She founded Happy Power, a project that transforms human play into clean energy and explores a Web3-based behavioural energy economy. She also co-created Playground without Walls with children in underprivileged areas. Her work blends sustainability, technology, and community co-creation to inspire global change.

 

 

Yves Frederic Ndjoh
Founder, Kinetic Power Systems LTD
Harnessing human play for clean energy

“Being a Changemaker means turning urgency into design. We’re building a future where crops stay safe, biodiversity thrives, and farmers no longer have to choose between food and health.”
 

Yves Frederic Ndjoh is a sustainability leader, innovator, and social entrepreneur from Cameroon passionate about advancing climate resilience and community empowerment. He is the founder of Kinetic Power Systems LTD, developing clean energy solutions such as the Electrical Energy-Generating Speed Breaker. He also serves as Project Officer at the Alpha Omega Foundation, where he supports inclusive healthcare and education for vulnerable communities. His Ultrasonic Locust Repellent project, awarded the $25,000 Global Food System Challenge Seed Grant by the Seeding The Future Foundation and IFT, offers a sustainable, chemical-free solution to protect crops, biodiversity, and food security across Africa.